Italian Greyhound
The smallest of the sighthounds, the Italian Greyhound is graceful, gentle and very cuddly, with the outline of a miniature Greyhound.
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet
Side by side
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sighthounds | Sighthounds |
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Weight | 3.5–5 kg | 10–15 kg |
| Height at withers | 32–38 cm | 44–51 cm |
| Life expectancy | 13–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Whippet (about 12.5 kg vs 4.3 kg on average)
- Taller: Whippet (about 47.5 cm vs 35 cm on average)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Whippet is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Whippet is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Whippet
A medium-sized sighthound, lightning-fast outdoors and cuddly at home, the Whippet is gentle, quiet and easy to live with.